Keith Mack
The first page of a law review article is an important part of the document. It sets the tone and provides an introduction to the topic being discussed. The first page should include an abstract, background information, and a brief synopsis of the topic selected by the author. It is also important to include a list of potential sources that will be beneficial to the topic. Law review articles usually discuss very specific issues within an area of law and are heavily footnoted with cases, statutes, and secondary sources. The first page should also include a table of contents, although this is not necessary. It is important to note that the formatting instructions, such as margins, font size, and line spacing, may vary depending on the publication or institution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To make an original contribution to the legal literature |
| Topic | A very specific issue within an area of the law |
| Format | Times New Roman or similar, 12 pt font, double-spaced lines, one-inch margins, footnotes in 10 pt font, page numbers in the footer |
| Length | 30-35 pages |
| Process | Abstract and Bibliography, Background and Facts, Meeting with Senior Editor, First Draft, Final Draft |
| Sources | Westlaw, LexisNexis, HeinOnline |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a topic
Start with a General Area of Interest:
Begin by identifying a broad area of law that interests you. It doesn't have to be a field you plan to practice in, but it should be a subject that fascinates you. This interest will sustain you during the months you'll spend working on the review. For example, you might be intrigued by criminal law, constitutional law, intellectual property law, or international law.
Immerse Yourself in the Area:
Once you've identified a general area, dive into it. Read widely and explore various sub-topics within that field. This exploration will help you become more familiar with the landscape of the subject and the key issues and debates within it. During this process, take note of any unanswered questions or controversies that spark your curiosity.
Select a Specific Sub-Topic:
After familiarizing yourself with the general area, narrow your focus by selecting a specific sub-topic. This sub-topic will be the main subject of your law review article. It should be something that you find intriguing and that has enough depth to warrant analysis and discussion. For instance, within criminal law, you might choose to focus on the death penalty, or within intellectual property law, you might focus on copyright protection in the digital age.
Identify Unanswered Questions or Gaps in the Literature:
As you delve into your chosen sub-topic, start writing down unanswered questions or gaps in the existing literature. These questions will form the basis of your research and analysis. They could relate to specific aspects of the law that are unclear, controversial, or in need of reform. For example, within the context of the death penalty, you might ask: "Do the mental health considerations of inmates influence the application of the death penalty, and if so, how?"
Consult with Professors and Faculty:
If you're struggling to choose a topic or want to ensure that your chosen subject is viable, don't hesitate to seek guidance from your professor or faculty members. They can provide valuable insights and direction. Additionally, they can help you identify relevant resources and ensure that your topic hasn't been overly saturated with pre-existing material.
Consider the Availability of Resources:
When choosing a topic, it's essential to consider the availability of resources. Ensure that there is sufficient material for you to work with, including case studies, statutes, and secondary sources. Databases such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, and HeinOnline are excellent resources for finding law review articles and other legal publications.
Remember, the key to choosing a topic is finding a balance between a subject that is engaging and one that offers enough depth and scope for analysis and discussion. By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to selecting a compelling topic for your law review article.
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Formatting
The formatting of a law review article is important to get right. There are several style guides available, such as the Bluebook, which is a widely used legal citation style guide. Bryan A. Garner's The Redbook: A Manual on Legal Style is another option.
The text should be in a standard font such as Times New Roman, sized at 12 pt, and double-spaced with one-inch margins all around. Footnotes should be in 10 pt font, single-spaced, and placed at the bottom of the page, not the end of the paper. They should be separated by a footnote separator rule (line) and be left and right-justified. Page numbers should be in the footer, preferably centred on the first page, and then in the upper right header for subsequent pages.
Tables and figures should be placed near their respective text references and have 1.5-inch margins all around (3.8 cm). Roman characters used as variables should be italicized. Subscripts and superscripts should be smaller than the main text.
A table of contents is not necessary but can be helpful. If included, it should be placed at the very beginning, before the introduction.
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Footnotes
When creating footnotes, it is important to follow these guidelines:
- Font and Spacing: Use a 10-point font size, such as Times New Roman or a similar type, for footnotes. Single-space the text within each footnote and separate them with a footnote separator rule (line).
- Footnote Placement: Place footnote numbers or symbols after the punctuation in the text. If a footnote is particularly long, consider moving it to an appendix to avoid disrupting the flow of the main text.
- Alignment: Ensure that footnotes are left and right-justified, unless specified otherwise. This means they should be flush with the right margin.
- Tables and Figures: When including tables or figures in your footnotes, maintain a margin of 1.5 inches on all sides (left, right, top, and bottom) to ensure clarity and readability. Avoid using small font sizes in tables.
- Roman Characters: Italicize Roman characters used as variables. The use of italicization for multi-letter function names is optional.
- Subscripts and Superscripts: Whenever possible, make subscripts and superscripts smaller than the main text to distinguish them clearly.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate footnotes into your law review article, providing valuable references and supporting information for your readers.
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Structure
The structure of a law review article is an important aspect of the overall writing process. It is a multi-step process that requires careful planning and consideration. Here is a detailed guide on how to structure a law review article:
The introduction is a crucial element of a law review article. It sets the tone and provides an overview of the topic being discussed. The introduction should include a clear statement of the claim, point of view, opinion, thesis statement, or the problem and proposed solution. It is important to engage the reader and provide a concise roadmap of what to expect.
Background and Facts:
This section establishes the relevant facts and information related to the topic. It provides context and helps the reader understand the legal issue at hand. It is important to be thorough in this section, as it forms the foundation for the rest of the article.
Research Questions and Hypothesis:
Clearly define the research questions that your article aims to address. These questions should be specific and related to the legal issue under discussion. Additionally, distinguish between research questions and the hypothesis. The hypothesis is a presumption or assumption that guides your research and analysis.
Chapterization:
Divide your article into logical chapters that mirror your research questions. A minimum of three chapters is recommended, structured in a logical order. Each chapter should focus on a specific aspect of the topic, such as introducing the issue, addressing concerns, and providing comparisons or contrasts.
Analysis and Discussion:
This is where you delve into the specific legal issue, providing in-depth analysis and discussion. Utilize relevant cases, statutes, and secondary sources to support your arguments. Address any undeveloped areas of the law and propose solutions or recommendations. Ensure that your arguments are well-structured and follow a logical flow.
Wrap up your article by providing a concise summary of the key points addressed in the article. Restate your thesis or claim and highlight the significance of your research. Provide a compelling conclusion that leaves the reader with a clear understanding of your contributions to the legal literature.
Remember, the structure of a law review article may vary depending on specific guidelines and requirements. It is always important to consult style guides, such as the Bluebook, for additional formatting and citation instructions.
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Research
Once you have narrowed down your topic, the next step is to conduct in-depth research. Familiarize yourself with the existing literature, case studies, statutes, and secondary sources related to your chosen topic. Westlaw, LexisNexis, and HeinOnline are popular online databases for accessing law review articles and legal resources. These databases offer a wealth of information that can help you develop your arguments and analysis. Additionally, consider seeking guidance from your professor or faculty members, especially when selecting a topic and conducting initial research.
As you progress in your research, it is important to organize your findings and ideas logically. Create an outline or chapter structure that mirrors your research questions. A typical structure for a law review article might include an introduction, a background chapter, and a chapter comparing your topic to other relevant cases or issues. This organization ensures a smooth flow of information, making it easier for readers to follow your arguments.
While researching and writing, it is essential to maintain academic integrity by properly citing your sources. The Bluebook is the standard citation guide for legal documents, and you should refer to it for formatting citations, footnotes, and references. Proper citation not only gives credit to the original authors but also adds credibility to your work and helps readers verify your sources.
Finally, as you approach the writing process, keep in mind that law review articles typically follow specific formatting guidelines. These guidelines may include font style and size, line spacing, margin sizes, and page numbering. Consistent and accurate formatting enhances the readability of your article and ensures it adheres to the standards expected in legal scholarship.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to research and select a topic. It should be a specific issue within an area of the law that interests you, as you will be spending months on this review.
The first page should include a table of contents, page numbers in the footer, and a first paragraph that functions as a "roadmap" to the article.
The first chapter of a law review article is typically an introduction to the issue, followed by a second chapter that answers concerns about the area, and a third chapter that compares and contrasts the topic.
